Yup, 3 meters (9.8 feet) seems to be the consensus. Yes, they're considered small for a crocodile, but that's compared to other species that can get 20+ feet
I figured their reputation for staying "small" was deceiving. The smallest dwarf caimans still get at least 5-6 feet.
Well, being from Michigan, the thought of a Wels getting loose here bothers me a lot more than a crocodile. The winters would easily kill a crocodile up north here, but I'd think a Wels wouldn't have much trouble surviving. And if they got loose in the Great Lakes? It would be a disaster.
I totally agree, climate would control a released croc but maybe not a Wels. But it is feasible to house a Wels - you just need a very big tank. Look at wednesday's setup and plans, he will house that fish for its entire life and it will be healthy. But a 10' crocodile? That requires much more than a big tank, plus at that size they are lethal, even if "domesticated." So with a Wels at least it's possible to avoid release into the wild. With a croc it seems almost certain it will be released into the wild or euthanized.
